Andy’s Player Ratings: Sunderland 2-1 Stade Rennais

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Brian Brobbey of Sunderland reacts during the pre-season friendly match between Sunderland and Stade Rennais at Stadium of Light on August 15, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Robin Roefs : 6/10

Couldn’t get near what was a great penalty and only had a few soft shots to deal with, although their was a wide open shot very early on that should have hit the target. Showed how good he is with his feet early into the game when he skilfully turned the press.

Trai Hume : 7/10

Played a more traditional right back role today and did well defensively, although the team had a little less control in the first half as a result. Still popped up with another goal, passing home from eight yards out via a set piece.

Dan Ballard: 6/10

Was heavily involved in the game, had multiple shots when up for set pieces and defended well off the ball but there were a couple of dodgy moments. Bursting out of defence early, he lost the ball and was lucky to see a lob go wide, then gave away a sloppy penalty.

Luke O’Nien: 7/10

Had a relatively easy game defensively, although had to be alert with a dangerous cross that he managed to head over from close range. Played some great balls out of defence today and put in a brilliant cross that Reinildo could only steer wide.

Reinildo: 8/10

Shut out any threat down his side and put in some great recovery tackles when Rennes were threatening. Also got into some great positions going forward, overlapped for Talbi and a good shot was deflected wide, just missed when he got onto the end of O’Nien’s cross then forced a brilliant save from Samba from a Rigg cross.

Granit Xhaka (C): 7/10

Usual metronome in midfield, kept the ball ticking and played a couple of good defence splitting passes that were so close to playing a Sunderland player in.

Noah Sadiki: 7/10

Covered loads of ground, plugged holes at the back and drove up the left flank whenever the opportunity arose, so a typical Sadiki performance.

Chemsdine Talbi: 6/10

Some decent bursts down the left flank and always looking to put a cross in rather than take it on himself.

Enzo Le Fee: 7/10

Popped up all over the pitch, making himself an option for whoever was on the ball. Had some classy runs that caused Rennes issues.

Nilson Angulo : 6/10

There were some really bright moments down the right from him and worked hard out of possession but a few too many offsides when he was well placed after a good diagonal out to him.

Brian Brobbey: 7/10

A menace to the visiting defence, putting himself about and got himself a goal when he ran in behind, saw his initial shot saved but then showed his strength to brush off the defender to slide home.

Substitutes

Romaine Mundle : 7/10

Looked far more confident after coming on today, maybe the new contract talk has given him a boost as he was very, very lively. Was very direct on the ball and smashed a beautiful free kick against the crossbar.

Chris Rigg : 7/10

Shone once again in preseason after coming on, looks much more prepared physically and made an immediate impact. Unlucky not to get an assist after a quality cross to Reinildo.

Habib Diarra : 6/10

Slotted in nicely alongside Xhaka, playing the Sadiki role.

Wilson Isidor : 6/10

Was always playing on the shoulder of the defenders and made his teammates lots of room with his running off the ball.

Jocelin Ta Bi : 6/10

Some clever dribbles down the right flank where the ball appeared stuck to his feet.

Man of the Match: Reinildo

He’s about to have more competition for his spot with the imminent arrival of Dayann Methalie but he showed he won’t give up his spot without a fight. I thought he was very good today, defended brilliantly but was also far more of a threat at the other end of the pitch, unlucky not to get a goal or two.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →